PCB confirms Afridi's snub to Ireland series

Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed that flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi has pulled out of the two-match ODI series against Ireland due to the illness of his father.

Shahid Afridi had been sacked earlier this month as captain of the ODI team and replaced by Misbah-ul-Haq. © AFP

"Shahid Afridi has informed us that he would not be able to play two ODIs against Ireland as he is with his ailing father in the United States. Doctors have advised him to remain with his father for the time being," a board spokesman said.
"We can understand the situation and mental stress that Afridi must be facing now and we hope for the speedy recovery of his father," the spokesman added.
The PCB, in a shock decision, had removed Afridi as captain of the One-day team earlier this month and replaced him with Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq.
Although no reason was given for abruptly sacking Afridi, the grapevine was rampant that the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt was unhappy with the all-rounder's habit of frequently addressing the media and discussing team issues.
The board had even issued a notice to Afridi for making statements on team matters after he returned home from the West Indies after leading the team to a 3-2 win over the West Indies in the five-match ODI series.
Afridi had complained that coach Waqar Younis interfered in his work and relations between the two had reached such a stage in the West Indies that Afridi wanted to skip the last two one-day matches over a selection row with the coach.
Afridi was said to be unhappy with the team given to him but was convinced by manager Intikhab Alam to play on and talk to the Board Chairman on returning home.
Afridi is yet to respond to the board's notice for violation of the code of conduct and Butt has said he would look into the matter after getting the tour report from Alam.
While Afridi had led the One-day team since early 2009, Misbah had done a creditable job with the Test squad since last year.